American Lindsey Vonn became the oldest downhill ski World Cup winner in history on Friday in St Moritz.
The 41-year-old retired in February 2019 due to knee problems, but returned to competition in December 2024.
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Vonn won 1 gold and 2 bronze medals at the Winter Olympics and is expected to represent the United States at the 2026 Olympics in February.
She crossed the finish line in 1 minute 29.63 seconds, nearly a second faster than second-placed Magdelena Egger, to earn her 83rd World Cup victory and first since 2018.
“I knew I skied fast, but you don’t know until the first race,” Vonn told TNT Sports.
“I think I was a little quicker than I expected. It’s a very exciting time.”
Warne won four World Cup titles during an illustrious career that spanned 20 years.
Friday’s race marks the start of the World Cup downhill season, with eight more races scheduled before the World Cup final on March 21 in Kvefejer, Norway.
Vonn will return to the ski resort of St. Moritz on Saturday for the next World Cup.